Ezra Meeker, Divided Back, Broad Street NYC, Oregon Trail, 1907

This divided back postcard, published by Ezra Meeker, captures a bustling scene on Broad Street near Wall Street in New York City, dated 1907. The image shows a large crowd gathered around a covered wagon, part of the Oregon Trail Monument Expedition. The postcard's front vividly depicts the energy and density of early 20th-century New York, with men in hats filling the street, surrounded by towering buildings.

The back of the card features a printed message: "Business was suspended, a speech called for and loudly acclaimed by the brokers and multitude: one of those places harder to get out of than to get into, but by the help of two policemen a way was opened." This postcard is in good condition with minor wear typical of its age. The absence of a postmark suggests it was never mailed.

This postcard documents the historical Oregon Trail Monument Expedition, highlighting Ezra Meeker's efforts to commemorate the trail. It provides insight into early 20th-century urban life and public gatherings in New York City. Surviving examples offer valuable records of social customs and historical events.